Snapping Hip

Menu
Quicklinks
Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis) of the Hip Bursitis of the Hip (Trochanteric Bursitis) Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) Gluteus Medius Tear Hip Impingement Hip Dysplasia Labral Tear of the Hip Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO) Piriformis Syndrome Proximal Hamstring Tear Snapping Hip Sports Hernia Hip Arthroscopy Surgery Hip Replacement Surgery Hip Resurfacing Surgery Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement – Direct Superior Approach
 
   Request an Appointment

Snapping Hip Syndrome

Snapping hip syndrome is a condition in which you feel or hear a snapping or popping sensation in your hip. This may occur when you stand up, walk, or move your leg in certain directions. For some people, the sensation is painless, while others may experience discomfort or irritation.

What Is Snapping Hip?

Snapping hip refers to a snapping, popping, or clicking sensation in the hip during movement. This occurs when a muscle or tendon moves over a bony structure in the hip rather than gliding smoothly as it should. Depending on which structure is involved, snapping can occur on the front, side, or deep within the hip.

What Causes It?

Snapping hip is most commonly caused by tight or inflamed muscles and tendons around the hip joint. When these tissues become irritated, they may catch on prominent areas of bone as the hip moves.

Common causes include:

  • Tight or overused tendons
  • Inflammation of the hip flexor or iliotibial band
  • Irritation of surrounding bursae
  • Damage to the cartilage lining the hip joint

Snapping hip is categorized into two main types:

Internal Snapping Hip
This occurs when the iliopsoas tendon becomes chronically inflamed or tight. As the hip moves, the tendon may snap over the femoral head, causing a clicking or snapping sensation on the front (anterior) side of the hip.

External Snapping Hip
This occurs when the iliotibial (IT) band becomes inflamed and snaps over the greater trochanter on the outside of the hip. It is often associated with trochanteric bursitis and causes snapping on the outer side of the hip.

Signs and Symptoms

People with snapping hip typically experience:

  • A snapping or popping sensation in the hip
  • A clicking sound during leg movement
  • Snapping that occurs when standing up, walking, or rotating the leg
  • Occasional pain or discomfort
  • Irritation that may progress to bursitis

While snapping hip is often painless, it can become uncomfortable or limiting over time.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Most cases of snapping hip improve with conservative care.

Non-surgical treatment options include:

  • Rest and activity modification
  • Avoiding movements that trigger snapping
  • Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the hip
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Injections to reduce inflammation around the involved tendon or bursa

These treatments aim to reduce irritation and restore smooth movement.

Surgical Treatment

If non-surgical treatment does not provide lasting relief, surgery may be considered.
Benton A. Emblom, MD, Jeffrey C. Davis, MD, and K. David Moore, MD, are fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons and members of The Hip Center at Andrews Sports Medicine who commonly treat snapping hip. These specialists can create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your individual condition and activity level.

For more information or to request an appointment, contact Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center at (205) 939-3699 and ask to speak with the appointment scheduler for Dr. Emblom, Dr. Davis, or Dr. Moore.

To request an appointment online, CLICK HERE or contact Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center at (205) 939-3699.


Request an Appointment Online
   Back to Hip